The Chicago DBT Institute® is proud to be one of only 16 Linehan Board-Certified DBT Programs in the nation. We pursued this certification to ensure that we offer true, evidence-based DBT as developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. This means we provide all the essential components and follow the DBT model closely.
Why Does Adherence Matter?
Research shows that adherent DBT (therapy that strictly follows the model) leads to:
Fewer suicide attempts
Better patient outcomes
Lower chances of dropping out of treatment
DBT is considered the Gold Standard for treating suicidal thoughts, self-injury, and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Many of our patients have tried other treatments or learned some DBT skills elsewhere. However, for DBT to work effectively, it must include all four key components:
Weekly 2-hour skills training group (using the Linehan Skills Training Manual)
Weekly individual therapy sessions
24/7 phone coaching with a DBT clinician for real-life situations
Clinician participation in a DBT Consultation Team
Without all four parts, it’s not comprehensive, adherent DBT.
Our Commitment to Quality
To achieve DBT-LBC Program Certification, we underwent a rigorous review of our:
Policies and procedures
Documentation
Skills group and consultation team practices
Individual and family feedback
Our clinicians receive over 40 hours of DBT training and ongoing weekly supervision by a DBT-LBC Certified Therapist. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to help patients reduce suffering and build lives worth living.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a DBT Therapist
Use these questions to ensure you're getting comprehensive, adherent DBT:
Are you or your program DBT-LBC Certified?
Have you completed training through Behavioral Tech?
How many hours of DBT training do you have?
Do you record sessions for adherence evaluation?
Are you part of a weekly, in-person DBT ConsultationTeam?
Do you offer weekly 2-hour skills groups? What materials do you use?
Do you teach all 4 DBT modules (Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness)?
Do you use diary cards and chain analysis?
Is phone coaching available 24/7, including for parents?
How do you support parents in treatment?
Our Promise
At CDBTI, adherence matters because your well-being matters. We’re here to provide real, effective DBT to help you and your family thrive.
